Chapter 65
Needless to say, fate has a funny way of getting back at you when you're least expecting.
After the way she left, Aiyora never expected or had any wish to step into the threshold of her mother's— well in more accurate term her grandmother's residence ever again. But here she was, sitting on their living-room face to face with her Grandmother, her uncle and her mother; who interestingly appeared upset and afraid of her at the same time.
Then again, she didn't think Kaname would be such a dirty bastard, who'd lure her into the car by lying to her about going to the Shiki residence. It was only when their car ride continued on for extended hour Aiyora got the first hint of what's happening.
But alas! It was too late…
Absolutely furious, she didn't speak to Kaname the entire way. However, that changed after they reached their destination. All her anger flew out of the window the moment the uniformed chauffeur opened the door of the vehicle. Climbing out of the car she clung to the older Kuran's arm, despite not speaking to him. And didn't let go even when they were inside, in the presence of the hosts.
Their second meeting was quite alike the first one— Everyone stared at the youngest pureblood in anticipation, while an uneasy silence lingered in the atmosphere.
"Aiyora dearest, it is so lovely to see you after such a long time. How have you been faring?" As expected, it was her grandmother Hanadagi Min-Unra who took the initiative to break the silence and diminish the rising tension in the air.
Unsure, Aiyora cast a quick glance at Kaname before she was forced to face her grandmother. Mastering a smile that was as fake as the latter's.
"Grandma…"
"Come…" The Hanadagi matriarch tapped on the empty space beside her, gesturing her granddaughter to come and sit with her.
Aiyora complied, hesitating. And it goes without saying, her hesitance is justifiable. It took her real courage to let go of the Kuran ancestors arm and go sit beside the current Senior member of the Hanadagi clan, on whom she used her power and put her to sleep during their last meeting. Well, even if Aiyora had thousands of reasons in defence of her action doesn't mean the woman will let it go.
But she was proven wrong. Or so it appeared.
"Do not worry about the past is all forgotten and forgiven." Her grandmother reassured, as if reading her mind. To further prove the authenticity of her words she even cupped Aiyora's face and kissed her on the forehead deeply.
"What you did was so noble. You gave your father the peace his family deprived him off."
Aiyora glanced at her lap, not wanting to make any comment.
"Whoever raised you, did a tremendous job. I have never seen a child so well raised, that too without the guidance of a proper parental figure. I wish my daughter had half of what you have,"
She paused to let out a bitter laugh.
"Usually daughters look up to their mothers and learn from them. In this case your mother should look up to you and learn."
Aiyora raised her eyes to meet her grandmother's mischievous gaze. And understood, the latter was indirectly throwing shades at Kaname and her mother.
As if a mutual understanding passed between them. A smirk appeared on both the grandmother and the granddaughter's lips simultaneously.
"The credit for my upbringing goes to the staff of the Shiki residence. They did everything they could…" Aiyora replied, glancing at Kaname from the corner of her eyes, just to watch him shift on the spot uneasily. "… without agenda."
"Oh Aiyora, always remember, the Kuran family may have had their interest before you, but the Hanadagi will always put your best interest before anything else."
Somehow Aiyora found that hard to believe.
Little did she know, she'd be proven right very soon.
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They sat down at the dinner table following the previous sitting arrangement. Min-Unra at the end of the table, occupying the head of the family chair. To her left, sat her two children while her granddaughter sat to her right facing her own mother. Kaname was again offered the seat at the other end of the table, facing the matriarch of the family. But this time also he declined and chose to sit next to Aiyora.
A nervous maid went around serving the food while the purebloods indulged in light conversation.
Aiyora did most of the talking with her grandmother. Her uncle Takumi, would drop in and out of the conversation from time to time. While the other two, Kaname and her mother didn't participate in the conversation. They spoke, only when they were directly asked something.
The young Kuran took an instant liking to her uncle. During her last visit they hardly interacted. Therefore she didn't know him much. But now as they spoke, Aiyora found him to be a genuine person, who gave off positive vibes. Which explains why his aura reminded her of Takuma. In spite of all that, this man, Hanadagi Takumi shared one similarly with her her father Kuran Rido. Like the latter, the former too is deeply in love with his sister. Who knows, if pushed to the edge, he too might reveal a face similar to Kuran Rido.
As Aiyora remained distracted with her uncle, her grandmother took the time to do a thorough study of the Kuran ancestor. And in the process picked up some interesting details.
Such as: how the Kuran ancestor would scoop up generous portion from his plate and feed her; every time she would get distracted and lose interest in eating. Or how quickly he would pass water and gently pet her back every time she chocked. Followed by the light scolding for not being careful enough. Of course none of the three Hanadagi missed how often he would glance at the young Kuran to check on her.
He need not say anything out loud. His actions spoke for him. And Aiyora's grandmother was smart enough to understand that. While the Kuran ancestor's fondness for Aiyora made her greatly happy but at the same time it brought out the concerning thought— what off the other Kuran princess, now that she has returned to her true form? As her new status means she is the rightful girl to be betrothed to him.
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After dinner Aiyora joined her uncle, as he went out into their neighbourhood to run some errands. Leaving Kaname back at the home with her mother and grandmother. Which gave the latter woman the perfect opportunity to address the topic.
She approached the Kuran ancestor. Finding him quietly sitting by the fireplace, reading an old book that he picked up from one of the shelves located by the fireplace.
Without looking up from the book even once Kaname acknowledged the approaching figure.
"How may I assist you Hanadagi-san?"
Immediately the Hanadagi matriarch felt his powerful aura presence brushing against her and remembered who he is— an ancient, living out of his time. A predator, living amongst the prey that could easily manipulate anyone and everyone surrounding him. A fighter that can most likely take down her along with her children. These were all gentle reminders of how careful she has to be with regards to her topic.
"I'm habituated to a cup of tea after dinner and assumed you wouldn't mind a cup either." She placed the cup on the carved wooden table at the centre.
Thanking her, Kaname picked up the cup and brought it to his lips. Min-Unra took the seat opposite to him.
"I have been meaning to talk to you…" The female pureblood trailed off. The look on her face serious, indicating she means serious business.
"About?" Kaname interest was perked.
"About your little sister, the other Kuran Princess— pardon me I don't know her name…"
Kaname thought about it for a moment before revealing. "It's Yuuki."
"Ah! So how is Kuran Yuuki coping with her new reality?"
Kaname already the woman has no interest in Yuuki's wellbeing, she was asking for the sake of formality.
"She is managing. However, getting adjusted to our lifestyle takes time, especially when someone has spent considerable amount of time living a human life."
Min-Unra carefully observed him. He answered smarty. His response, just like his facial expression gave nothing.
"Now that the troubling times are over and your younger sister finally returned to your side, when do you plan to start a family of your own, Kuran-san?"
The mentioned male was in the midst of sipping his tea when the question was thrown at him by the Hanadagi matriarch. He didn't rush to respond. Instead took his sweet time. It was after her gracefully put the cup down, he gave the woman the response she was eagerly waiting for.
"The priority right now is to bring the wayward vampire race under proper guidelines. With the Senate gone many are becoming bold. As for starting my own family, that can wait. I am in no rush."
"I see…" The female hummed, taking a sip of her tea, somewhat disappointed. "When that happens, would it be with your sister? After all, that is what your late parents would have wanted."
Kaname raised an eyebrow. His gaze was very direct. Good enough to send a chill down the woman's spine.
"Frankly speaking a union between Yuuki and I would only happen if both of us want it."
"Do you want it?"
His brows furrowed, questioning the woman had sudden interest in his personal life.
"No." Then he answered as normally as if he was breathing.
"Why so, is it because someone else might be a better candidate than her?"
"No," he shook his head, "…it is because I have someone else in my mind."
"Is it my granddaughter?"
Kaname only smirked.
No further questions were asked on the matter. As Hanadagi Min-Unra already had the answers she was already looking for.
Last year, not even in her wildest dream it occurred to Aiyora that one day she would get the opportunity to spend a relaxing afternoon lounging with Lady Shiki. And yet here she was, brushing the woman's hair while the latter kept repeatedly rambling about how the former should get married and have children— with Kaname.
For a moment there Aiyora couldn't help but wonder whether the male Kuran had bribed the aristocrat to advertise about him. But the idea was shaken off moments later due to low possibility.
After a certain point the topic 'marriage' and 'Kaname' both became really annoying. Still, Aiyora decided to be patient and remained calm, letting Midori's words pass through one ear and out of the other.
"He truly wants you." The former actress repeated herself for the umpteenth time.
"And I truly want someone else. Someone quite close to you." Aiyora hummed, continuing to run the comb through her locks.
"Kaname-sama is more handsome."
"I disagree." Aiyora rolled her eyes. This was by far the most stupidest logic presented.
"He will be able to protect you many ways, which Senri can't. There are boundaries he cannot cross, as an aristocrat."
That felt like a low blow. Then again, truth always hurts. However that doesn't mean the young Kuran was going to give up. She opened her mouth to protest, but before the first syllable could escape, a noise in the background interrupted her. It was her mobile phone— ringing. She realized it a moment after.
Letting out an irritated huff she handed the comb back to lady Shiki and marched towards the direction of the sofa where her bag was carelessly thrown. She pulled out the device from inside and answered. A moment later her eyes went wide.
Shiki Midori turned, sensing an aura of tension radiating off of the pureblood.
"Who was it?" She asked after Aiyora disconnected the line and put the device back inside her purse.
"Layla."
"Who's Layla?"
"The woman that gave birth to me."
"What does she want?"
Aiyora quietly stared at the woman, debating if sharing with her would be a wise idea.
"She wants to meet with me."
"What are you going to do?"
"Actually… I don't know."
She truly didn't.
"Good evening."
Yuuki's train of thought was interrupted by the deep voice. Looking up she saw Kaname approaching the dining room.
"G-good evening, Kaname-senpai."
Her cheeks heated up, a pink hue spreading across them. Even in his casual appearance of just a plain silk blue shirt pair with beige pants, slightly disheveled messy hair, he was a sight to be held. He always is.
"I wasn't expecting you to be up so early, Yuuki." He offered her a gentle smile, taking the seat on his usual spot, at the head of the family chair.
Yuuki, who was seated on his right fidgeted with the hem of her dress. "Oh it's just that I hardly slept this morning."
"So you're having hard time adjusting, I see…"
"Oh no no no!" The short brunette jumped to defend herself, vigorously shaking her head. The last thing she needed now is for Kaname to worry about her. He already has so much on his shoulder, she didn't want to put more burden. "Nothing like that. I was just thinking too deeply and before I realized the sun had already set."
"Were you thinking about life at the academy?"
Yuuki stayed silent for a moment, looking a little torn before she took a deep breath. As for Kaname, the silence answered on her behalf. Therefore, before Yuuki could arrange her next words, Kaname already moved onto the next question.
"Do you miss that life?"
"No! Not really…" She looked down at her lap fondly remembering the time the small moment they shared at the Soiree hosted by the Aidou family, where he asked her if she would like to become a monster and live the rest of the long flow of life with him.
"If you do… there is still a chance for things to get back to the way it was. Nothing will change, the headmaster will treat you the sane way."
No Kaname onii-sama you're wrong! It will not be the same. Zero will never accept me for what I have become. Besides… I have chosen you. I want us to be like Otou-san and Okaa-san.
"I'm happy here." Yuuki finally gathered the courage to admit. "I am happy to be here with you, by your side Kaname onii-sama. I truly am, believe me."
"Yuuki…" He trailed off, cupping her face. Dark eyes gazing at her softly. And under that gaze she melted away. Overwhelmed by the emotions erupting within her heart, Yuuki found herself questioning— if this isn't love then what is?
Unfortunately their little moment wasn't meant to be long lasting. Only second later Seiran appeared out of the blue and informed;
"Aiyora-sama wishes for an audience with you."
A frown appeared between Yuuki's brows.
"Ask her to come down and join us." The suggestion left her lips as her frown deepened.
Seiran looked at her master to see if he shared his sister's opinion. But no, he didn't. Instead breaking all contact with Yuuki he stood up and second later disappeared from the dining room.
Yuuki blankly stared at the spot Kaname was previously occupying. An ugly feeling spreading through her stomach and crawling up her chest. Something that felt a lot like fear, bitterness, anger and jealousy all combined into one.
Upon entering her room, Kaname found Aiyora pacing around in hurried footsteps.
Closing the door behind him and leaning against it, he observed. Her perfectly manicured hand combing through her long sleek hair and ripping few strands in the process.
Too busy in her mental calculation Aiyora failed to notice him. Giving him the opportunity to watch her contently for ample amount of time.
Much to his dismay she seemed perturbed about something. Obviously watching Aiyora in such state didn't sit well with him.
Clearing his throat Kaname made his presence known. Startled by the sudden intrusion Aiyora turned, and saw him walking over. Taking hold of her hand the male Kuran led led towards the bed.
Sitting down, he guided her to sit on his lap and circled one arm around her waist protectively while the other reached to take hold of her chin between his fingers.
"What's the matter?"
A moment of silence later Aiyora leaned back to reach for her phone that was carelessly tossed somewhere on the bed.
Instinctively, Kaname's eyes moved. At first to her chest watching it rise and fall, and then shifted to her neck that was stretched out and displayed before him so openly. His tongue darted out to chap those suddenly drying lips. Realizing where this may lead he quickly looked away, preventing his mind from venturing into illicit thoughts.
Luckily, the device was laying quite close to where they were sitting. Therefore she need not search for long and was able to grab it with ease, then show him that it was still ringing.
"Thirsty Hoe…?" Kaname read out the name flashing on the phone screen with utmost confusion. With absolutely no idea of who it was or what it actually meant. "What is Thirsty Hoe?"
Aiyora had to admit, in that moment he did look adorable.
"You mean who is Thirsty Hoe?"
"First I want to know what is Thirsty Hoe. Followed by who."
A naughty glint flashed in those beautiful blue eyes eyes as she proceeded to explain.
"Thirsty Hoe is basically a woman who is basically way too desperate and shamelessly flaunts her desperation to achieve something— in my mother's case it's attention and recognition."
"That's a rather mean way to put it. Layla isn't a person like that at all."
Aiyora rolled her eyes. "Have you forgotten how she acted with you, when you first took me there? Given the chance she would have taken off her clothes and pounced on you. Ever since that, my nickname for her was Thirsty Hoe."
His brows furrowed but it only lasted a second before it transformed into a smile. A genuine smile.
"So why is she calling and why aren't you answering?"
"She wants to meet me… privately. And I'm yet to make a decision on that."
"Go see her." Came his suggestion right away, without thinking twice.
"I don't know whether it's a wise idea. I mean I hardly know the woman. She has never really been a part of my life and now she wants to squeeze her way in and be a part of my life… No! Not happening!"
"Go see her." He repeated. This time, sounding more assured than he was before. It was as if her words had no effect on him.
"But—"
"She's your mother Aiyora."
The said pureblood was about to protest but the ancestor cut her off immediately.
"Whether you like it or not she's the only parent you have left. At first glance it may seem that she doesn't care much about you, but believe me when I say— she does! She truly does! It's her unfortunate fate that she wasn't given the opportunity to nurture her powers where she could protect you. And it's alright, because you don't need her protection, you're fully capable of protecting yourself. You've protected yourself from a terrible fiancé who only wanted to use your for his gain, then you've protected your father from the darkness of his own heart."
Aiyora stared at him unblinking. His words were a surprise to her, it was unexpected but certainly they brought a pleasant feeling that made her heart flutter. Truth is, she was touched. Although she didn't verbally admit and was hoping her face didn't show it either. Especially at the point where he acknowledged the fact that he had done her wrong.
Unbeknownst to her, a soft pink blush had spread across her cheeks.
A blushing Aiyora— was a sight so beautiful that the ever powerful progenitor of the Kuran family couldn't look away.
"I can come with you, if that would make you feel comfortable." He suggested, tenderly cupping her face. His thumb lightly brushing over her flushed cheeks.
Their eyes locked for a moment before Aiyora broke the eye contact and looked the other way, leaving her neck once again on full display for Kaname.
He swallowed hard. His stomach clenched with anxiety, heart pounding erratically. It felt like he was about to do something forbidden. But the urge was too strong to fight off. It has been a while since he was last fed. The overwhelming sensation drove him to the point of discomfort. A discomfort he didn't know how to deal with at the given moment. Which is why, he couldn't manage the strength to look the other way like he did initially. Instead continued to lean in, without even realizing.
Hiding those glowing bloodthirsty eyes behind the eyelids, his face nuzzled the crook of her neck before starting to leave a trail of hot kisses along her jawline.
Aiyora froze. But made a quick recovery, She understood right away what is about to happen. And she complied, willingly.
Carefully wrapping her arms around him, she laid themselves on the bed.
The movement seemed to pull the male of out his trance. He looked at her apologetically and was about to verbally express it when she cut him off.
"Go ahead, give into your beastly instincts." She told him looking deeply into his eyes. Assuring him, she was giving him her consent.
From that point Kaname took charge. Swiftly he flipped their position and came atop Aiyora; with his face already buried into the neck, fangs already embedded deeply inside, he was greedily drinking her down.
She grabbed his large back, hands tightly fisted on his shirt. Eyes closed from the sensation— which she was yet to establish whether it was painful or pleasurable. Perhaps a combination of both.
Lost into their own sensations both parities failed to notice that the door was slightly ajar and Yuuki stood right outside, watching them.
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Yuuki stood with mouth parted and eyes as wide as saucer. While the heart was beating so fast that it felt as if it would break out of her chest at any given moment.
The young Kuran wasn't expecting to receive the shock of a lifetime when she walked over to Aiyora's door. And most definitely not stumble upon a scene like this:
Kaname was drinking from Aiyora like a man who has just found little bit water in the middle of dessert, under the scorching sun.
Yuuki couldn't understand why Kaname was drinking from Aiyora in the first place. If he was so thirsty why didn't he confide in her. She would have never refused him. She knows first hand how much anguish blood-thirst can bring a vampire. She has seen Zero suffer and doesn't want Kaname to go through the same.
Even so, why didn't he let her know about his desire for blood? She is no more a fragile human, who will not be able to withstand his powerful bite. She a pureblood vampire, a Kuran pureblood just like him!
So why?! Why didn't he ask her for the blood?The question nagged inside her mind. The answer to which she was about to find out.
With that intention in mind Yuuki was about to barge in, however, she was stopped when a hand came from the back and grabbed hold of her arm and dragged her away from there.
"What were you doing?!" Hissed Aidou. Looking as bad a ticking time bomb that would go off any minute.
"I… um…"
"Do you have any idea what you were about to do?" He charged looking back.
"I was only trying to help." Yuuki said sheepishly.
"You cannot barge in on them when they're in the midst of such sacred act. Besides if you truly want to help, this is what you must do— stay away from them and mind your own business!"
Hanabusa knew he was being extremely rude, that too to a pureblood. But somehow he could care less when it came to this particular Kuran.
Confusion graced the pureblood's face as she wondered why the aristocrat was so upset with her. What has she even done?
Yuuki spent the next few days closely observing Aiyora. And every single time found the latter in Kaname's company.
They were always together. Whether it was in his office cuddling on the love-seat and sharing a large cup of tea while he read a book and she watched television in loud volume simultaneously. Or in the library where she read and he played with her hair. Or in the kitchen where he would just watch while she baked. Often in the afternoon they'd stroll the garden holding hands and in the evenings they'd play a duet on the piano, occasionally it would be just Kaname playing and Aiyora practicing her ballet.
Bottom line— whenever Kaname was home, his entire schedule revolved around Aiyora. Just Aiyora!
Truth be told, the more Yuuki watched the uneasy she felt at the pit of her stomach. No matter how desperately she tried to shake off those uneasy feelings, it refused to leave her body.
Obviously it didn't require rocket-science for the newly awakened Kuran to understand how close her two siblings have gotten over the years. But Yuuki was sure Kaname was fulfilling the duties he promised their parents. Like any responsible big brother, he was truly looking out for Aiyora. The only problem was— Aiyora has started to confuse his kindness for the wrong kind of affection.
That is the only conclusion that explains her action as to why she fed him her blood. Just like Ruka did back at the academy, when the Night Class was first established.
Yuuki didn't know how to feel about the matter. On one hand she was greatly bothered, at the same time also concerned for Aiyora. She didn't want the poor girl to get her hopes up only to be let down in the end. Kaname is someone one cannot help but fall in love with. And Yuuki, doesn't blame Ruka for being in love with him and she certainly doesn't blame Aiyora for developing a crush on him.
After putting some deep thought into Kaname words and rethinking about his suggestion for almost a week, Aiyora ultimately agreed to meet to with her mother and see what she had to say.
They met at small cafe located on the outskirts of the town with hardly any human population in the vicinity.
The conversation started between the mother-daughter started off with awkward Hi and Hellos. From there it moved onto Layla inquiring about how Aiyora's life had been post the war at Cross Academy and how she had been coping with the aftermath.
Aiyora responded, choosing her words very carefully. Like how she would have answered if a random stranger had asked her these questions. Thanks to the training from the Shiki household and her experience at working at the show-business taught her how to guard herself before a stranger. Although the person sitting with her happen to be her mother. Sadly she was no less than a stranger.
"Your aura feels a lot like… his."
Aiyora was about to put the rim of the cup to her lips but paused, not appreciating her mother's tone.
"That's because he lives inside me now. I've devoured him, bonding ourselves together forever." She decided to throw in the fact as a slap to her mother's face. Changing her expression as a result. The Hanadagi pureblood looked horrified, but it soon changed to disgust.
Aiyora rolled her eyes. The urge to throw in a crude remark was strong, but she held back, remembering who her father was. In spite of all her sympathy for him, Aiyora knew in and out that a person like Kuran Rido should never be defended, especially to his victim. And just like Shiki Midori, the person currently sitting before her is also one of his many victims.
"Anyway, let's get down to business. Why did you want to meet Reira nee-san?"
Layla quickly remembered, they agreed upon that Aiyora would address her 'big-sister' than 'mother'.
"What is your relationship with Kuran Kaname?"
"How and why is that any of your business? If you're planning to ask for favour, you came to the wrong person."
"Do you like him, or love perhaps?"
What a nosy woman.
"Again, why do you care?"
"Has he hurt you… ever?" The last part was added with a bit of hesitance.
Aiyora raised her brow, amused. Suddenly she got the urge to laugh hard, really hard.
"Why the sudden interest in my life? You didn't care before."
"I—"
"Don't!" Aiyora cut her off firmly. "Don't try to defend yourself. I'm not blaming you for taking me and fleeing my father. Nor am I blaming you for placing me under Kuran Juuri's care, who had other agenda about me. You had no way of figuring it out. What I blame you for, is never once inquiring about me. Not being bothered enough to know if I lived or died."
"I'm here now. And I'm here to help."
Aiyora let out a hysterical laughter.
"Oh please! How can you help? You're practically useless. Besides I don't need you now. I have learned to survive on my own."
A heavy silence fell between them following Aiyora's harsh words. A silence that lasted for a whole minute before Layla blurted out the following.
"Your grandmother is trying to get you re-engaged to Kuran Kaname."
The information made the younger pureblood choke on her tea. But was quick to regain her composure. After a moment she realized it wasn't that surprising. However there was tad bit disappointment; which also left seconds later, soon as she remembered the greedy gleams of her grandmother's eyes. Obviously her grandmother was capable of pulling something so sneaky.
"You're telling me this because…?"
"Because I don't think he is the right man for you. The age gap is too much. He's the oldest Kuran to exist. Whereas you are the youngest. He probably birthed your grandfather or perhaps his father—"
"Can you please get to the point."
"You deserves to be with someone your age. Who will think like you and understand you better. Not with that piece of decaying flesh."
Aiyora raised a brow amused.
Piece of decaying flesh! Such a shame I couldn't come up with something so creative.
That aside, the young Kuran was also taken aback by her mother's words. She's the first ever person to have said something like that. Up until now everyone that has given her advice or at least tried to give her some, always sang Kaname's praise. But not a single one of them has ever thought of Senri to be the right person for her.
For the reason alone something inside her was moved. Seeds of care and affection were planted in her heart for her mother.
"…All I'm try to say is that I want you to be with the person that makes you happy. Not be with someone that your surrounding believes to be a good match for you."
These words provided Aiyora with a sense of comfort. It made her feel comfortable enough to drop few hints about her current secret.
"Listen you don't have to worry about me falling for the wrong man. Even if I do, I can surely pick myself up and move forward. Besides, falling in love is the last thing on my mind at the moment. Right now I'm too busy planning my university days."
"University…?" Her mother asked confused. She has never heard of a pureblood vampire attending university. They receive best of the best form of education but at home.
"I applied to a law program and have been accepted. Now all I need is a guardian come guarantor to sign the form and pay the fees and I can be on my way."
"Do you need money?"
"Actually that part has been taken care off. Turns out I made a lot of money from my brief modelling career. What I actually need is a guarantor to sign the form. And I'm scared to ask Kaname, afraid he will not take it too well. I was thinking of approaching the old man from the Shoto clan but—"
"I can sign." Layla offered instantly. "If that is alright with you."
Aiyora blinked, shocked. For a while now she was contemplating on two options regarding this matter. Firstly she was thinking of approaching Shoto Isaya and request him to sign for her. If that didn't work her last resolution was to manipulate one of the aristocrats staying with them. But now that her mother is willingly stepping in, the problem found a solution on its own.
Once the shock subsided her face brightened up.
"Of course it's alright with me. Why would it not be? You're my mother after all."
The plan was set. They would meet again next week— same time, same place and Layla would sign the papers.
However, as the time approached…
"Where is it?!"
"What exactly are you looking for Aiyora-sama?" Asked the first maid.
"Perhaps we can help." Suggested the second.
"I'm looking for the sky-blue coloured sealed envelope." With movement of her hand she showed them the approximate size of the envelope. "I kept it on top of my dresser but I cannot find it now. Did either of you notice it while cleaning my room?"
The maid duo nodded their head 'no' in union.
A wave of panic surged through the pureblood's face. Making her bite her nails before surfing the same hand through her hair tousling those dark locks and cursing under her breath.
"Anyhow… help me find it. You," she pointed to the short black haired one with glasses, "go search the closet and bathroom. And You," she moved her finger towards the redhead beside, "check over there and I'll check the bed. Now hurry up and start looking!" She commanded like a General commanding it's army. Then dived down to beginning the search.
Soon a soft knock on the door was heard.
The maid who was en route to the bathroom paused and answered the door. She opened the door wide making space for the person outside to enter.
Yuuki awkwardly walked in and found Aiyora turning her room upside down.
Yuuki wasn't exactly the jealous type. But she did have her fair share of insecurities. And her recent observation was making her heavily insecure.
"What can I do for you Yuuki-nee…?" Asked Aiyora in the midst of her ongoing mission to find the light blue envelope— inside which she put the printed copy of her admission form.
"I need to talk to you… about something important." She hesitated.
"I'm busy at the moment. Can it wait?"
"No!" Yuuki put her foot down stubbornly. Her mind was racing with pain and frustration. She couldn't wait any longer. Then turning to the maids she requested. "Could you excuse us for a bit."
"Stay!" Right away Aiyora counter ordered.
Obviously the maids listened to the latter.
"They're working at the moment. Whatever you have to say, say it in front of them or else wait till I finish."
"The topic is little sensitive."
"They know how to keep secret."
Yuuki walked around the bed and sat down on the sofa placed near the window.
"Aiyora-chan I was wondering… wondering whether you feel the same way Ruka-senpai does."
"We have our differences but sometimes we do share an opinion here and there." Aiyora answered, currently looking under the bed. She was so occupied into her task that she failed to notice in which context Yuuki was referring to. Nor did she feel the need to find out or even be bothered about the silence that came following her response.
"So," she said hesitantly, breaking the tension with a question she had obviously been burning to ask, "what about feelings for Kaname-senpai…? D-Do you… do you also like him the way she does?"
Aiyora, who was completely under the bed, popped her head out from there and glared at Yuuki. "Excuse me?!"
Yuuki averted her gaze and looked the other way.
Putting a pause in her task and pulling herself out of under the bed, Aiyora stomped over to Yuuki with every intention to confront her.
"You're asking me this nonsense because…?"
"Because I've seen it."
Aiyora took another step forward, a bold one.
"Seen what?! Please specify."
"I've seen him drinking from you, the other day." She paused to chap her drying lips. "You called him to your room and fed him your blood. You fed him your blood just like Ruka senpai did! And Ruka senpai deeply likes Kaname onii-sama. Therefore I was just wondering if you felt the same way…?"
Aiyora stood there speechless with wrinkled brows. Trying to make sense of the poorly structured sentence. Regardless, she was quick to detect the accusatory tone somewhere in the middle and understood Yuuki was indirectly blaming her, or at least trying to put the blame on her rather than her fiancé; who, on his own accord sank his fangs into her neck.
"Rest assured, I don't feel anything for him." Aiyora finally replied.
"Then why did you feed him your blood?" Yuuki charged, without even intending to.
Whatever amount of respect and pity she felt towards Yuuki flew out of the window. Replacing all her emotions with unfiltered rage.
Still, Aiyora decided to give one last shot at being polite.
"You know Yuuki-nee I was in the middle of doing something extremely important when you interrupted—I'm looking for a blue envelope that I need my mother to sign. So, can this useless conversation be put on hold until I wrap this up…?" She pointed at the mess on the bed.
"But this conversation is important!" Yuuki snapped, completely disregarding all the points her cousin made as if they were matter of no importance. Her big brown eyes glaring at the other.
"Are you serious?" The expression on Aiyora's face changed.
"I want to know…" Yuuki looked away, as if she was afraid of what she would learn. "… do you like Kaname-senpai?"
"No!" The response came out of her instantly. Not even a moment was wasted in thinking. "Now leave."
"So why did you feed him?!"
Yuuki was quite good at being stubborn. If only she would have put the same effort into her studies, Aidou's life would have become so much easier.
"Shouldn't you be asking him why he drank from me? As your fiancé he owes you explanation not me."
"But I want you to tell me, why did you feed him?"
Aiyora's rolled her eyes. "For the exact same reason why you fed that soon to be level-E."
It took Yuuki a moment to catch onto the taunt.
"Don't say that! Zero is not a level-E. He will never fall into that sate. He is a lot stronger than you think. I have seen him fight with himself. I know he will not succumb into his fate."
"No wonder Kaname doesn't want to drink from you. As a pureblood it would hurt his pride to pierce a neck that was bitten by a level-E to be, over and over again."
"HOW COULD YOU SAY THAT!"
Yuuki screamed, her eyes flashing red from anger. And immediately the crystal chandelier above Aiyora's head shattered with some of its pieces colliding with Aiyora's face causing couple of cuts on left side of her face.
Alarmed, both maids came rushing to her aid.
"Aiyora-sama!"
"Aiyora-sama are you hurt?!"
"Aiyora-chan! I'm so sorry I didn't mean to hurt you. I don't know what happened." Following the maids, Yuuki too rushed over to check on her younger sister.
"Aiyora-sama is bleeding."
"I'm so sorry! I don't understand how I caused such a mishaps. I'm really sorry Aiyora-chan!"
"ALL OF YOU CALM DOWN!" Aiyora shouted, overwhelmed by the sudden chaos.
"Aiyora…?"
Everyone in the room tensed hearing the deep authoritative voice.
All heads turned to find Kaname striding in. The maids stepped back to make space for the male pureblood. He walked straight to Aiyora and took her face between his palms and licked her wounds clean.
"Who did this to you?" He asked after her wounds were fully healed.
"It was an accident."
"And who is responsible for this accident?"
"Doesn't matter. It has healed already."
"It matters to me. Now tell me who did this to you?"
"Stop overreacting."
Suddenly his attention moved on to the other pureblood who has been quietly standing on the sideline.
"Did you do this, Yuuki?" He didn't ask, he demanded coldly.
"I-I…" Yuuki grew far more nervous than she already was after looking at him. She would never forget his eyes in that moment. The pure, unbridled rage that was aimed directly at her. This Kaname was so unfamiliar to her, she could hardly recognize him. He no longer looked like the same kind hearted vampire that saved her that snowy night.
While Kaname and Yuuki had their eyes locked into a staring contest, Aiyora's roaming eyes suddenly picked up something that made her heart skipped a beat. It was the envelope she was frantically searching for, sticking out of his coat pocket.
She tried to take the envelope out of his pocket, only to have him grasp her hand tightly.
"Leave." He commanded in a cold voice. The maids exited at once but Yuuki remained until Kaname asked her to give them some privacy.
Once the sound of footsteps completely faded he asked, "When were you going to tell me?"
Aiyora simply stared at her feet. Suddenly finding them to be very intriguing.
The male pureblood watched her carefully for the longest time before letting out a deep-heavy sigh.
"Was it even in your plan to tell me?"
Still no answer. What was she even going to say? Truth be told, her planning haven't reached that far yet. She was still looking for someone to sign.
He took out the envelope and placed it on her hand. Aiyora quickly opened it just to check how many pieces did he shred the paper into only to find it…
Her eyes widened, jaw dropped, allowing an audible gasp to escape her lips.
"Kaname?!"
He didn't respond to her call, just walked out of her room. Leaving her to process everything.
She looked back at the form to check again, thinking, what if her vision may have been playing some kind of tricks on her.
But no it wasn't!
The form was indeed signed,
Signed by Kaname himself.
A.N. Thank you for reading hope you enjoyed. Let me know your thoughts positive-negative both are welcome. Also, I didn't get the time to edit the chapter so if you notice any errors or mistakes please point it out I'll correct it soon as possible.
Apologies for the long delay. Kind got caught up into my other story. But now I'm back. Hopefully from now on updates will be more frequent (at least once a month).
Moving on, reply to guestwithreviews: please don't apologize for delayed reviews. You took the time to read and comment that all I'm grateful for. Doesn't matter how delayed it is.
Rido showed Aiyora the main events of his life and how it fell apart, mostly because of his deep feelings for Juuri. For her that's a big lesson. And probably she will be scared to grow feelings for others (also taking into account how she had to let go of Senri). So maybe you're right she will channel her feelings elsewhere-maybe her career and herself, let's see.
The thing is Aiyora knows how Kaname is. She probably has seen a lot more of him than Yuuki did in canon. So she has idea of how he would react or she can assume how he would (probably not too well or maybe that can also change). Regardless she doesn't want to risk it.
With Yuuki though, that girl dived into the pool without learning how to swim properly first. Aiyora as you can see is simply taking pity on her. Yuuki on the other hand is misunderstanding the scenario let's hope it doesn't come back badly.
As for Senri, I really wanted to show how he is dealing without Aiyora. I'm still debating how Aiyora's modelling career would go weather it should continue in future or end here. The rivalry between Rima and Aiyora is very subtle so I don't think it will create any problem between Rima and Senri. He is mature enough to understand and handle such situations. Plus I think he is aware of Rima's feelings.
